In any case, I stumbled on this Hold The Line thread (Google Alerts are magic!) and I want to clarify something: I don't think HTL members should pack their bags and exit the digital Zucotti Park that they've been occupying these past few months. This is a cause people care passionately about, and it's important that consumers are active, smart, and involved in this sort of activism.

However, I do think that any further protests should probably be placed on hold until the DLC is released. That's going to be a make-or-break moment: either the HTL movement happily disbands (or starts preparing for the next Dragon Age...) or a new wave of discontent gathers momentum. In the mean time, walk away from any silly antagonistic ads or statements aimed at goading more - and increasingly fruitless - reaction.

There's nothing contradictory about holding the line and wait-and-see. Sometimes the best way to win a fight is to walk away from it. Just not too far.

If all goes according to plan, the expanded ending that BioWare produces will be an amazing conclusion to a beloved franchise. BioWare will find redemption and fans will regain faith in the developer. And everyone will wait eagerly for whatever comes next. But I'm a sucker for a happy ending.

P.S. This is, of course, little more than my opinion. Perhaps helpful, perhaps merely words, words, words. Take it or leave it as you see fit.